Q&A: Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse Chef Anthony Zappola

Over two years after the Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa unveiled its new restaurant The Royce—a complete revamp in the space of the former Dining Room—the eatery changed its concept and chef March 13.

The restaurant is now The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse headed by Chef de Cuisine Anthony Zappola, who most recently worked at Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio’s Craft Restaurant Group.

The new wood-fired grill was made especially for The Royce by a maker in Texas, Royce general manager Matt Nathanson told Patch.

At a press dinner at The Royce Tuesday, Chef Zappola took a few minutes to talk to Patch about his new role.

What is your vision and how is it different from Craft?

We are more traditional. Craft is more avant garde. We are all about the wood-fired grill and not just for steak. We’ll be using it for artichokes and other things.

Where did you grow up and did that influence your love of steak?

I'm from Ohio. It helped in my love of food. I’m Italian and was in a food-focused family. My mom cooked seven days a week. It was a good cultural experience of food in its simplicity. Something simple done well can be as good as something in a restaurant in New York.

Why did you choose The Royce?

I felt comfortable with the style of restaurant. There’s a lot of room for creativity and interpretation.

What is your specialty dish?

We want to showcase the steak. Everything is here to compliment that. I’m really proud of the brisket.

Check back on Patch for photos from Tuesday's event.

See photos of some of the dishes at the new Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse here.

See what restaurants are joining The Royce in Pasadena Restaurant Week 2013 here.

What questions or comments do you have about the new Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.